Accident Overview
On a visual flight rules flight from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to Kincolith, British Columbia, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (serial number 0039) departed at 1719 Pacific daylight time. The aircraft carried one pilot and four passengers.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at Kincolith at approximately 1750, witnesses observed the aircraft perform three low approaches to the water landing area. Each approach descended to a few feet above the water before the aircraft climbed away. On the fourth approach, at about 1758, the aircraft touched down in what appeared to be a controlled manner. It then skipped on the water surface. The floats subsequently dug into the water, and the right wing was severed from the fuselage on impact with the water. The aircraft quickly overturned and came to rest inverted, with only the bottom of the floats visible above the surface.
Rescue Attempts
Several members of the village community, who had been waiting on the Government Dock for the aircraft, rushed to the sunken aircraft in small boats. Despite their efforts, they were unable to rescue the pilot or passengers from the submerged cabin.
Outcome
The five occupants drowned in the accident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that on touchdown, the float(s) struck the water and caused a flying attitude that the pilot could not control before the right wing dug in and the aircraft overturned. Contributing to the accident were conflicting wind and water conditions at the time of the occurrence.